Gearexposurehttp://www.gearexposure.com
Outdoor gear reviews and news from the fieldSat, 01 Aug 2015 10:44:56 +0000en-UShourly1Shiftpod: a futuristic, weather insulated pod-tent for extreme environmentshttp://www.gearexposure.com/shiftpod-a-futuristic-weather-insulated-pod-tent-for-extreme-environments/
http://www.gearexposure.com/shiftpod-a-futuristic-weather-insulated-pod-tent-for-extreme-environments/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 15:35:21 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3931Shift is an American spiritual organization, born from the ashes of one of the Burning Man festivals in the southwestern American deserts. The Shiftpod is their creation: an innovative pod-tent for camping and festivals (especially…

Shift is an American spiritual organization, born from the ashes of one of the Burning Man festivals in the southwestern American deserts. The Shiftpod is their creation: an innovative pod-tent for camping and festivals (especially in arid environments). According to the manufacturer, it takes no more than five minutes to set up and doesn’t use any poles to stand in place. Thanks to its insulated nylon fabric, the Shiftpod is designed to reflect the sunlight (thus the heat). It will stay cold during the hot days, and warm during the nights (and will withstand the elements thanks to its weatherproof zippers).

It can give shelter to 2 or 3 people. Thanks to its 2 holes on the side, it even supports air conditioning! No doubt this pod-tent is innovative, but we can safely say it won’t be for everyone. The Shiftpod is sturdy but weighs 64lb, excessive if you plan on carrying it on your back! Keeping that in mind, this tent designed for the burning man festival will probably find other uses, especially for camping in extreme environments.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/shiftpod-a-futuristic-weather-insulated-pod-tent-for-extreme-environments/feed/0Z-Cam E1, the world´s smallest 4k action camerahttp://www.gearexposure.com/z-cam-e1-the-worlds-smallest-4k-action-camera/
http://www.gearexposure.com/z-cam-e1-the-worlds-smallest-4k-action-camera/#commentsWed, 29 Jul 2015 17:26:09 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3922Better than a GoPro ? It might be hard to say at that moment, but we can already confirm that it will be smaller. The camera uses a 4/3 micro lens mount, compatible with lenses from several…

Better than a GoPro ? It might be hard to say at that moment, but we can already confirm that it will be smaller. The camera uses a 4/3 micro lens mount, compatible with lenses from several major brands (Panasonic, Sigma, Olympus and Leica). It can capture videos up to a 4096×2160 resolution.

The E1 cam uses a motion compensated temporal filtering (MCTF) that eliminates noise from the pictures, as well as allowing shooting in dark environments. Its compatibility with mobile applications (for iOs and Android users, with Wi-Fi 802.11N support) will allow you to remotely control the camera, while the flexible tripod mount bundled with the camera already triggered our curiosity.

Manufactured by a new company named Z (founded by Jason Zheng, former GoPro employee),the E1 camera already gathered more than $250,000 on Kickstarter. And even though we will have to wait for a complete review to compare it with the latest GoPro, it is safe to say that the leading brand got itself a pretty serious competitor.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/z-cam-e1-the-worlds-smallest-4k-action-camera/feed/0Patagonia Merino Baselayers: quality fabrics from polyester and Patagonian woolhttp://www.gearexposure.com/patagonia-merino-baselayers-quality-fabrics-from-polyester-and-patagonian-wool/
http://www.gearexposure.com/patagonia-merino-baselayers-quality-fabrics-from-polyester-and-patagonian-wool/#commentsFri, 24 Jul 2015 17:26:15 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3907If you plan to go on an expedition in a cold area, wearing an efficient base layer is of the utmost importance. The Patagonia brand just announced their brand new base layers : the Capilene, Merino…

If you plan to go on an expedition in a cold area, wearing an efficient base layer is of the utmost importance. The Patagonia brand just announced their brand new base layers : the Capilene, Merino and Merino Air Baselayers.

From now on, the manufacturer will offer 3 different fabrics for their base layers. The Capilene Baselayer (made from recycled polyester), the Merino Baselayer and the Merino Air Baiselayer (a blend of patagonian wool and Capilene fiber). The 18.9 micron merino wool aims at offering a mix of warmth and breathability, while having some interesting details (like the thumb loops).

Designed for both men and women and made with a computerized knitting machine (guaranteeing a minimum waste in the process), the Patagonia products fit very well and are ideal for outdoor expeditions. The manufacturer from Southern California insists on the sustainability of their product : all their Merino base layers use sustainable wool from Patagonia.

Even though the green and blue flashy colors of the Merino Air fabrics might not appeal to everyone, Patagonia Baselayers will most likely be lightweight, top-notch gear. The only downside it that you might have to wait until this autumn to use them !

The LuminAID had to attract our attention. Looking like an shiny cushion, that eco-friendly light source might prove interesting for all your camping trips. The product was originally design to provide renewable light in an unfriendly environment (after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti), and is now available for the public. Just inflate it to use it, and fold it to easily put it in your bag (it only weighs 3.5oz).

The light is available in 3 different models : PackLite 12, PackLite 16 and PackLite Spectra. The first two respectively provide 12 and 16 hours of light (up to 32 hours if you reduce the brightness or use the flashing light mode), while the Spectra also adds some nice color shades. You can set the brightness between 20 and 45 lumens, depending on your needs. The LuminAID is waterproof (up to 1m deep) and wheatherproof, and will charge even under a cloudy wheather (it might however take a little more time). Under direct sun, the light will charge in aproximately 7 hours and can withstand up to 500 charges.

The LuminAID is distributed by Eskimo Agency, distributor of innovative accessories and gadgets with a focus on lightweight, portable gear. Their products are used by outdoor enthusiasts, travel freaks, gadget seekers, tech nerds and gear junkies.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/eskimo-luminaid-an-innovative-solar-powered-inflatable-light/feed/0HELIOS 25 by Haglöfs, the ultralight award winning backpackhttp://www.gearexposure.com/helios-25-by-haglofs-the-ultralight-award-winning-backpack/
http://www.gearexposure.com/helios-25-by-haglofs-the-ultralight-award-winning-backpack/#commentsFri, 17 Jul 2015 14:48:46 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3889The Swedish manufacturer Haglöfs (known for its backpacks since 1914) just won the award for best product in the outdoor show of Friedrichshafen 2015. We’re talking about the leading outdoor trade show, in the german…

The Swedish manufacturer Haglöfs (known for its backpacks since 1914) just won the award for best product in the outdoor show of Friedrichshafen 2015. We’re talking about the leading outdoor trade show, in the german region of Badden – Württemberg (close to the swiss and austrian borders).

The intelligent design of the ROC HELIOS 25 was made possible with the help of the mountain rescue expert Jacopo Bufacchi. The Italian climber declared :

“While developing Mountain Ultimate, phrases such as ‘lower weight’, ‘more strength’, ‘climb higher’ and ‘go faster’ guided us in our work. We are now seeing the results in the form of minimalist, uncompromising products in which every feature has been carefully evaluated. Material that weighs as little as possible yet is still durable and able to withstand the challenges it is exposed to during a climbing expedition. And a snug design that still offers a comfortable fit“

Made from Dimension Polyant X-Pac, the backpack is surprisingly lightweight and was entirely designed around the idea of allowing faster climbing times. It might not be ideal for very long climbings, for it can only pack a limited amount of gear. But for those who value swiftness, the ROC HELIOS 25 could be unrivaled.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/helios-25-by-haglofs-the-ultralight-award-winning-backpack/feed/0Kingii, a lifesaver on your wristhttp://www.gearexposure.com/kingii-a-lifesaver-on-your-wrist/
http://www.gearexposure.com/kingii-a-lifesaver-on-your-wrist/#commentsWed, 15 Jul 2015 15:48:58 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3876Is the era of lifesaver buoys and jackets over? It might be a bit early to bet on it, but the German product is definitely worth a look for those who like outdoor water activities. Named…

Is the era of lifesaver buoys and jackets over? It might be a bit early to bet on it, but the German product is definitely worth a look for those who like outdoor water activities. Named after a lizard species that can inflate his own frill to get out of danger, that inflatable wearable provides a lightweight, easy to use lifesaving option. The encumbrance caused by kingii is out of proportion with the usual lifesaver gear: set on your wrist, it only weights 4.9oz (139g).

Sizeable for adults (up to 275lbs/124kg) and children over 6 years old, it is easy enough to use so that nobody should fail at opening it: just take off the cap to release CO2 into the inflatable balloon. Physics will do the rest as the balloon full of air will help you stay on the surface of water! Kingii is reusable, as long as you put a new CO2 cartridge every time (the manufacturer provides 2 of them with the standard package). The wearable also packs a whistle and a compass in case of emergency!

The biggest advantage of Kingii is to provide a lifesaving gear that you can bring anywhere without the encumbrance of a standard jacket. The wrist has already raised more than $473,000 (compared to the $65,000 objective) on indiegogo and will be available from september 2015.

When going outdoor, who didn’t face the eternal problem of phone batteries draining so fast? Brunton aims at providing a solution with its Revolt external charger. The manufacturer from Wyoming (specialized in batteries and outdoor tech gear) designed this 9000mAh charger that can charge your phone up to 6 times before running out.

The Revolt is compatible with all modern smartphones and tablets (iPhone, iPad, Android), with a standard usb output and micro-usb input. A 3-in-1 adapter is provided, that enhances its compatibility with only one cable. At the center of the shell, 5 light dots will indicate the remaining battery, knowing that you can fully charge it in less than 3 hours. Thanks to its silicone shell and soft corners, the Brunton Revolt is shockproof for your expeditions. And the vibram base ensures, in addition to a great durability, that the Revolt will stay in place wherever you put it. Sturdy, and weatherproof thanks to its sealed coating.

The Revolt 9000 is reasonably small (allowing you to grab it with one hand) but you might notice its weight. A 4000mAh version is also available for those who want to sacrifice battery in favor of weight. A good overall product for those who like to pack a phone or tablet on their outdoor trips.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/brunton-revolt-9000-a-sturdy-external-phone-charger/feed/0There is a new GoPro called Hero 4 Session, and it’s the smallest yethttp://www.gearexposure.com/there-is-a-new-gopro-called-hero-4-session-and-its-the-smallest-yet/
http://www.gearexposure.com/there-is-a-new-gopro-called-hero-4-session-and-its-the-smallest-yet/#commentsMon, 06 Jul 2015 16:34:04 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3864After the last wave of refresh with its Hero4 line-up, GoPro is at it again. They have added a completely new model to the list called the Hero 4 Session. And it's tiny.

After the last wave of refresh with its Hero4 line-up, GoPro is at it again. They have added a completely new model to the list called the Hero 4 Session. And it’s tiny.

The Hero 4 Session is a 1.5 inch cube, waterproof up to ten meters out of the box. It can shoot 1440p at 30fps, 1080p at 60 and 720 at up to 100fps Operation is done with just one button. Press to power on the camera and start shooting. Press again to stop the recording. Long press to start shooting timelapses at 0.5 sec intervals. Everything else can be configured using the GoPro app or the standalone remote like a normal GoPro. The only other button is use to trigger WiFi connectivity.

The minimal housing is necessary to have a mount but then it is of course compatible with all the different GoPro mounts already on the market. Base weight (without the housing) of the Hero 4 Session is 2.6oz (74g) which is extremely light. Certainly a great option for stealthy camera recording to use with another GoPro to get multiple angles.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/there-is-a-new-gopro-called-hero-4-session-and-its-the-smallest-yet/feed/0Northwoods Indian River jack knife, vintage or modern knife?http://www.gearexposure.com/northwoods-indian-river-jack-knife-a-vintage-or-modern-knife/
http://www.gearexposure.com/northwoods-indian-river-jack-knife-a-vintage-or-modern-knife/#commentsMon, 06 Jul 2015 14:16:29 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3856The Indian River is not only vintage-looking. It also deliberately chooses an old-school approach to jack knifes: you won’t be able to open it with one hand, nor can you lock it. It is a…

The Indian River is not only vintage-looking. It also deliberately chooses an old-school approach to jack knifes: you won’t be able to open it with one hand, nor can you lock it. It is a slip-joint knife, the same kind that you would have seen 50 years ago when outdoor was a low-tec activity. But is the Indian River knife outdated?

Don’t be deceived by the vintage looks of this jack knife. Made out of CPM154 composite steel, you can clearly see it wasn’t manufactured in the 1950’s! We’re talking about high-quality steel, robust and stainless (compared to the 1095 high-carbon Northwoods jack knifes were usually made of).

The Indian River Jacknife is very small and lightweight (though you can find lighter knives with composite handles). The double bolster makes for a very sturdy blade that you will handle easily. However, you might want to keep the size of the Indian River in mind: a lot of users will find its blade too small.

This Northwoods knife comes with a sturdy leather slipcase and is sold around $130 (£83). A decent price, even though you might have trouble purchasing one due to its limited availability (the manufacturer is often out of stocks). Patience is virtue for the vintage-looking knife lovers!

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/northwoods-indian-river-jack-knife-a-vintage-or-modern-knife/feed/0Hydrapak Stash, a collapsible water bottlehttp://www.gearexposure.com/hydrapak-stash-a-collapsible-water-bottle/
http://www.gearexposure.com/hydrapak-stash-a-collapsible-water-bottle/#commentsFri, 03 Jul 2015 14:40:42 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3850When going on an outdoor trip, every inch of your bag must be put to its most efficient use. That’s when a collapsible bottle can come in handy. This one has an advantage compared to other…

When going on an outdoor trip, every inch of your bag must be put to its most efficient use. That’s when a collapsible bottle can come in handy. This one has an advantage compared to other models: when you fill it with water, it gets a straight shape and stands free (it also has a loop to attach it to your bag or clothes). But once empty, you can compress it so it fits in your pocket or backpack easily (for the size of a hockey puck, roughly).

Once compressed, the ability to lock the top and bottom of the bottle ensure that it will stay compressed wherever you put it. It’s easy to open (even though it might be tricky the first times, you will quickly get used to it), but difficult to wash without a washing machine, even though its large opening makes it easier than with other similar bottles.

The Hydrapak Stash is fairly resistant and has a “no leak” lifetime warranty. However, it is unfortunately vulnerable to smells and mold: don’t forget to clean it regularly and meticulously. It has no valve to drink without opening the bottle and is better used with both hands due to its size. A bit of a drawback for the most intense activities, but it’s free-standing shape as well as durability make this Hydrapak Stash a sure choice for summer excursions.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/hydrapak-stash-a-collapsible-water-bottle/feed/0Tentsile Trillium, a collective and multi-layer hammockhttp://www.gearexposure.com/tentsile-trillum-a-collective-and-multi-layer-hammock/
http://www.gearexposure.com/tentsile-trillum-a-collective-and-multi-layer-hammock/#commentsWed, 01 Jul 2015 15:58:21 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3839From the renowned tent manufacturer Tentsile, the Trillium is a triple hammock that will take group excursions to the next level. That triangular hammock can give enough space for up to three people to sleep…

From the renowned tent manufacturer Tentsile, the Trillium is a triple hammock that will take group excursions to the next level. That triangular hammock can give enough space for up to three people to sleep comfortably. And, most important of all, the Trillium is conceived to be stacked. Setting 2 or 3 of them will get you a multifloor den (ideal for forests where you can hang the different layers vertically between trees). It allows to stack all the gear that won’t go into your tent. The times where your shoes and gear were wet and muddy on waking up might be over!

Made out of heavy duty PE mesh and nylon composite (240D) fabric, the hammock is resistant as well as easy to wash. Quick to set up (you shouldn’t need more than 10-15 minutes), its heavy duty ratchets and webbing will provide increased stability and security. You might however take into account the weight of the Trillum (13lbs), more than noticeable especially of you’re packing a couple of them.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/tentsile-trillum-a-collective-and-multi-layer-hammock/feed/0Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle: lightweight and sturdyhttp://www.gearexposure.com/arcterix-carrier-duffle-lightweight-and-sturdy/
http://www.gearexposure.com/arcterix-carrier-duffle-lightweight-and-sturdy/#commentsMon, 29 Jun 2015 16:11:17 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3829Arc’teryx is back with an incredibly resistant duffle bag that should satisfy the explorers looking for a good mix between lightweight and durability. The canadian brand offers various sizes and colors, all made from a N400r-AC2…

Arc’teryx is back with an incredibly resistant duffle bag that should satisfy the explorers looking for a good mix between lightweight and durability. The canadian brand offers various sizes and colors, all made from a N400r-AC2 nylon fabric.

From the several different colours offered, most are quite flashy. Not ideal if you value discretion, but definitely a must for low light environments. The interior of the bag is coated in a white, reflexive fabric that also helps illuminate its content.

It is fairly impressive to see how lightweight and compressible this duffle bag is. When empty, you can pack it in your pocket for an almost non-existent weight. Its sturdy fabric is also easy to clean, as well as being water-resistant.

While non-submersible and not totally waterproof, the duffle bag is made out of an advanced composite construction. With its water-resistant zip, it resists very well against rain and water drops of all kind.

The Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle comes in 4 different sizes (35, 50, 75 and 100 litres). The biggest ones allow to pack a lot, but keep in mind that above 30 litres, you won’t be able to bring it as a carry-on baggage on a plane when full.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/arcterix-carrier-duffle-lightweight-and-sturdy/feed/0Kniper, the ultimate survival tool?http://www.gearexposure.com/kniper-the-ultimate-survival-tool/
http://www.gearexposure.com/kniper-the-ultimate-survival-tool/#commentsSun, 28 Jun 2015 16:10:23 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3820If you plan to roam mother nature this summer, you must already know the importance of packing a knife. But if the knife is one of the most universal and well-rounded tools, Kniper could be…

If you plan to roam mother nature this summer, you must already know the importance of packing a knife. But if the knife is one of the most universal and well-rounded tools, Kniper could be its ultimate and most versatile expression.

Although the Swiss Knife is a classic, a tool carved out of a single metal piece has its advantages. Compared to a traditional multi-tool, the Kniper offers a better handling and overall solidity thanks to its single piece of 420 high-carbon stainless steal. It guarantees a very good resistance to corrosion, meanwhile it’s flashy color makes it easier to handle in dark places.

Conceived as a throwing knife, the intelligent design of Kniper offers 22 different functions. 2 screwdrivers (flathead and phillips), a fork, a prybar, a nail remover, a bottle and can opener, an universal hex hole, lashing straps, a range finder, a ruler…. and, last but not least, a tobacco pipe! An interesting approach to survival.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/kniper-the-ultimate-survival-tool/feed/0Garmin Edge 20 & Edge 25 : the smallest bike GPS in the worldhttp://www.gearexposure.com/garmin-edge-20-edge-25-the-smallest-bike-gps-in-the-world/
http://www.gearexposure.com/garmin-edge-20-edge-25-the-smallest-bike-gps-in-the-world/#commentsFri, 26 Jun 2015 14:48:05 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3810Garmin just announced the release of Edge 20 & Edge 25, the 2 smallest bike GPS in the world. Both bike computers offer complete features despite their size. They will display and gather all kinds of data…

Garmin just announced the release of Edge 20 & Edge 25, the 2 smallest bike GPS in the world. Both bike computers offer complete features despite their size. They will display and gather all kinds of data for cyclists : distance, speed, altitude and location. In terms of navigation, both can use GPS and GLONASS systems and download routes.Edge 25 offers more connectivity thanks to its Bluetooth support and ANT+ compatibility (so you can connect it with a heart rate sensor), and will give you the possibility to share your results on social networks. Pair it with a smartphone for live tracking (allowing you to share your trips in real time), smart notifications and wireless uploads (thanks to the Garmin utility software). Edge 20 doesn’t offer such complete connectivity features, but still allows you to communicate with the Garmin application with a Mac or PC.

Garmin bike computers are reliable even in rough conditions. Entirely waterproof (given that you won’t scuba dive with your bike), they can withhold crashes and run up to 8 hours on charge. Edge 20 & Edge 25 sure don’t offer the same features as bigger deluxe models, but their moderate price as well as their small size are certainly appealing. A must for those who think that, in terms of bicycle gear, size definitely matters.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/garmin-edge-20-edge-25-the-smallest-bike-gps-in-the-world/feed/0La Sportiva Xplorer: versatile, lightweight approach shoeshttp://www.gearexposure.com/la-sportiva-xplorer-versatile-light-weighted-approach-shoes/
http://www.gearexposure.com/la-sportiva-xplorer-versatile-light-weighted-approach-shoes/#commentsMon, 22 Jun 2015 16:20:34 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3793Released by the Italian brand La Sportiva, those Xplorer could offer a good alternative for those who want to swap between hiking boots and rock-climbing shoes. Combining the stability of boots with the lightweight of…

Released by the Italian brand La Sportiva, those Xplorer could offer a good alternative for those who want to swap between hiking boots and rock-climbing shoes. Combining the stability of boots with the lightweight of soft climbing shoes (without excelling at neither of those), they are ideal in terms of versatility.

The complete lacing of those Xplorer (going all the way to the toes) provide a good stability. The feet are fairly well protected, while the shoes offer a sticky sole (by Vibram) for a better grip. The foot bed, however, are no better than average. You might want to get spare ones, as those can wear out quickly with extensive use.

Thanks to the air mesh fabric, the La Sportiva Explorer let your feet breathe and stay cool. Certainly convenient for the summer! The downside is that the shoes tend to dry up a bit slower than other models.

The La Sportiva Explorer is an overall good model, for those who value versatility. They are not the lightest for hiking, nor the most stable for climbing. But, as any approach shoe, they do offer a very good balance between the two. An interesting option if you plan on hiking rocky terrains this summer!

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/la-sportiva-xplorer-versatile-light-weighted-approach-shoes/feed/0Climbing a 700-year-old giant treehttp://www.gearexposure.com/climbing-a-700-year-old-giant-tree/
http://www.gearexposure.com/climbing-a-700-year-old-giant-tree/#commentsFri, 19 Jun 2015 15:42:48 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3786Meet Chris Sharma, a 34-year-old from California who took tree climbing to the next level. Renowned mountain climber (he set up a number of 5.15 climbing routes in the entire world, and climbed ropeless the…

Meet Chris Sharma, a 34-year-old from California who took tree climbing to the next level. Renowned mountain climber (he set up a number of 5.15 climbing routes in the entire world, and climbed ropeless the sea cliffs of Mallorca), he took on that project and connected with his roots as a child tree climber.

But what does that gigantic 253 foot (77 meters) high sequoia have to do with the modest trees we all climbed as children? Well, it’s all about the method. Always make sure to pick a sturdy tree, “hardened and strong”. You don’t want to put your weight on a crumbly bark!

When aiming to respect to biological structure of the tree, it is preferable to avoid lead climbing. Firing an anchor at the top of the tree with a crossbow and pulling a rope through it will prevent you from harming the trunk. And, most important of all: always memorize your route. Not so easy when you’re used to rock climbing! According to Sharma, marking the spots with chalk will help you on the way down.

Climbing that giant tree was part of a scientific project of the MIT aimed at studying the health of the huge sequoia forests of California.

When it comes to taking pictures during outdoor activities, reliability is a must. Formerly renowned for the instantaneous pictures its cameras used to take, Polaroid seems to be recently shifting towards producing outdoor, affordable cameras.

The Polaroid 18 MP Waterproof Digital Camera is certainly worth a look, thanks to its price and features. Being dustproof, waterproof, shockproof and foodproof, you will certainly have a hard time breaking it even during the most reckless activities. Dive up to 3 meters, drop it in the sand or in a puddle of mud: the IE090 should withstand most of your summer activities.

With its 18 megapixel resolution and a 4x digital zoom, the camera offers some decent features. Especially given its 86$ price. A solid choice for summer!

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/the-polaroid-ie090-18-mp-an-affordable-and-summer-proof-camera/feed/0Electric longboards to ride your last mile in stylehttp://www.gearexposure.com/electric-longboards-to-ride-your-last-mile-in-style/
http://www.gearexposure.com/electric-longboards-to-ride-your-last-mile-in-style/#commentsWed, 17 Jun 2015 12:33:27 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3736There are plenty of ways to carry on shredding during the summer days, but if you are tired of pushing, this might be for you. We're seeing some great innovation in electric 'last-mile' transportation, which doesn't mean you can't buy one of those just for the fun. Yes, electric longboards are getting serious.

There are plenty of ways to carry on shredding during the summer days, but if you are tired of pushing, we’ve got just the thing. We’re seeing some great innovations in electric ‘last-mile’ transportation, which doesn’t mean you can’t buy one of those just for the fun. Yes, electric longboards are getting serious.

Electric longboard have been around for a few years but they’ve only recently become really sexy. The first commercially available decks had cables everywhere, huge battery packs and weighted tons. But the world wants better and cleaner energy sources and this means there is more research done on technologies like batteries and electric motors. The new generation of e-longboards is faster, longer lasting and weights less. If you have the cash to spare, they also look insanely fun to ride.

Boosted boards

Boosted boards are, in our opinion, the best looking available right now. The slick and minimal design, orange wheels and bamboo deck just looks stunning. They also offer three different configurations depending on your need and wallet. The cheaper config gives you around 8 miles of range with a top speed of 18 mph. It has regenerative braking, can climb 10% hills and uses top of the line parts like Caliber trucks and Loaded’s Vangard Bamboo deck. Weights 13.5 lbs and costs $999. The only problem, it’s only available in the US and Canada. Bummer.

Yuneec E-Go

The Yuneec E-Go is relatively new and is also the cheapest in our selection. For 749€ ($840) you get pretty much the same specs as the Boosted. It’s just slightly heavier at 13.8 lbs (6.3kg) and not as sexy.

ZBoard

Now this is a board in a class of its own. While every other model uses a remote controller to accelerate and brake, the ZBoards use pressure. Lean forward to accelerate, lean back to brake. They also have a great retro looking deck with the ZBoard 2, with handles carved out. The newer cheaper model, the Z2 Blue, has a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 16 miles. It is also quite heavy at 16 lbs. $1199.

Marble Board

The Marbel board is a Kickstarter-funded e-longboard. There seems to be a new campaign for e-longboards every week right now. This one is supposed to be the lightest in the world at 10 lbs (4.5 kg). The prowerfull 2000W motor will climb up to 20% hills. The rest of the specs are similar to the ZBoard 2, 25 mph top speed, 16 miles range. We really like that all the electronic is neatly integrated into the board. You can pre-order one now for $1299. Ships August-September this year.

Mellow drive

Of all those Kickstarted projects, one that stands out is the Mellow. Rather than an e-longboard this is more like a drive train. You get all the electronic and the rear truck with two motors and wheels and you choose on which deck you put it. The goal is to make something compatible with any skateboard. It also features in-wheels motors rather than truck-mounted ones. This gives the Mellow the best look ever. Retail price announced at 1699 € so probably the most expensive build you can have when you add the cost of the deck. But if your wallet is deep, this is probably the one we would choose. I mean, in-wheel motors!

DIY Electric longboard

Now there is also the DIY route. The community is very active, with small companies selling parts to build your own from the deck of your choice. Sites like http://diyelectricskateboard.com/ or http://www.enertionboards.com/ sell almost all the parts needed to build an electric longboard for less. If you need advice, head to the dedicated section on the Endless Sphere forum. There is a ton of info there plus genuinely interested people that could help you out.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/electric-longboards-to-ride-your-last-mile-in-style/feed/0Radinn’s crazy electric wakeboard in an insane video teaserhttp://www.gearexposure.com/radinns-crazy-electric-wakeboard-in-an-insane-video-teaser/
http://www.gearexposure.com/radinns-crazy-electric-wakeboard-in-an-insane-video-teaser/#commentsFri, 22 May 2015 16:21:27 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3729Personal electronic transportation is fast becoming a huge industry. While a few years hago there wasn’t much apart from Segways, today is full of electric longboards and other unicycles. The Radinn Wakejet Cruise however, is something…

Personal electronic transportation is fast becoming a huge industry. While a few years hago there wasn’t much apart from Segways, today is full of electric longboards and other unicycles. The Radinn Wakejet Cruise however, is something else entirely.

Wakeboarding is cool but it suffers from a major drawback. You need to convince someone to man the boat and get bored doing circles while you have fun. The upside of course is the waves created by the boat, but lets forget that for a moment.

What if you could wakeboard with just the power of the board. No kite, no boat, no wing. And now make that silent and using only electricity. Boom, that’s Radinn Wakejet Cruise. The power to go anywhere on water whenever you want.

You control the Wakejet Cruise with a wireless hand-controller. The carbon fiber and kevlar board weights less than 29Kg with batteries and can last up to 30min at the full speed of 25 knots or up to 60min in mixed riding. All the parts and custom made in Sweden, to maximise quality and efficiency.

How much you say? Well, somewhere around 15000€ but you can’t order one just now, their order book is full until further notice.

]]>http://www.gearexposure.com/radinns-crazy-electric-wakeboard-in-an-insane-video-teaser/feed/0Stash 18, a new lightweight daypack from Klymithttp://www.gearexposure.com/stash-18-a-new-lightweight-daypack-from-klymit/
http://www.gearexposure.com/stash-18-a-new-lightweight-daypack-from-klymit/#commentsWed, 20 May 2015 18:37:19 +0000http://www.gearexposure.com/?p=3721Utah based gear manufacturer Klymit, known for their very advanced and sometimes revolutionary kit, is adding a new daypack to its line of lightweight backpacks. The Stash 18, available at the end of the month,…

Utah based gear manufacturer Klymit, known for their very advanced and sometimes revolutionary kit, is adding a new daypack to its line of lightweight backpacks.

The Stash 18, available at the end of the month, is the smallest in Klymit’s collection. It features a unique inflatable back support system called Air Frame. The back panel can be inflated using the strap-integrated pressure pump. This gives the Stash 18 support, similar to packs with frames, but also comfort by improving breathability on the back area. The Air Frame is removable and Klymit say you can use it as a pillow or sit pad.

Klymit President Cory Tholl says:

We’re excited to introduce an ultra lightweight day pack to the Klymit line. The unique Air Frame technology sets this pack apart from other packs its size. In the past, hikers haven’t had the option of multi-day-level back support in a grab-and-go day pack.

The Stash 18 is constructed with 210D mylon ripstop and weights 2.38 oz / 351 g. It is available in two colours, yellow and black and is hydration compatible. Price: $60.